The Co. Tyrone countryside outside Dromore buzzed with excitement as the first Eventing Ireland competition under the banner of Ash Hollow was held. This event marked the culmination of a dream Alison Callion conceived in 2019 when she and James took over the family farm from her parents, Ron and Carrie Bradley.

Alison’s vision for Ash Hollow began taking shape five years ago, with the help of Northern Region FEI Course Designer Adam Stevenson. This weekend, their hard work and dedication paid off as over 150 competitors from all over Ireland gathered for a memorable event.

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Despite persistent rain on Friday, competitors were greeted with perfectly manicured grounds and a warm reception.

The competition featured a variety of classes, with riders and horses demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience.

Steven Smith emerged as a standout performer, securing wins in the EI 110 class with Virginia Maguire’s Handsome Starr and in the EI 110 class with Karen McKee’s Carrickview Calvani. Smith also claimed a second-place finish in the EI 110 class with Annaghmore Cornoko. His consistent performance underscored his expertise and competitive edge.

Amy Ennis Crosbie from Co Meath, currently on work experience with the Smith Brothers, triumphed in the EI 110 J class with Herobrine, marking their third win of the season. The EI 110 Amateur class saw intense competition, with Nichola Wray and Dylan narrowly edging out Brit Megahey and R Showman by 0.1 points.

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The Nestor family from Co. Meath also enjoyed success, with Claire Nestor winning the EI 100 P class on Freddie, while her brother Tom Nestor placed second in the EI 110 J class. Caitlin Woods claimed victory in the EI 100 J class with Greygrove Delight, maintaining a narrow lead over Anna McErlean and Kilmanahan Cool Star.

Alex Houston dominated the EI 100 class, winning on My Atlantic Encore, a Centrestage mare bred by her father, Sam Houston. Steven Smith secured the runner-up spot in this class with Annaghmore Cornoko.

In the EI 90 class, Katie Gibbons from Ballinasloe took the top spot with Bonitas Influence, a six-year-old mare by the Thoroughbred stallion Hit the Diff. Ian McCluggage finished second with Meadowbank, adding to his earlier win in the EI 80 class with Meadowspring.

The event also celebrated the dedication of its volunteers, with special prizes awarded to Kenneth Bogle, Bronagh Stevenson, Raymond Cullen, Jenny Richardson, and Donald Morgan for their invaluable contributions.

Generous sponsorship from Blue Frog/Boyd Bedding, Balloo Hire, Fane Valley, JF Irvine Sawmills, and Bluegrass Feeds helped make the event a success.

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Full Results

EI 110 Open 1. Steven Smith, Handsome Starr 2. Nicola Ennis, Corbally Mountain View 3. Ralph Robinson, Dermish Chill 4. Casey Webb, Ballygreenan Break Point

EI 110 1. Steven Smith, Carrickview Calvani 2. Anita Doherty, Goldiva 3. Amanda Goldsbury, Baby Guinness BW 4. Steven Smith, Newferry Aga Kann 5. Janie Cairns, Zambia Touch 6. Rebekah McKinstry, HVL Jack Pot

EI 110 J 1. Amy Ennis Crosbie, Herobrine 2. Tom Nestor, Coolafancy 3. Emily Brooks, Ardagh Mayday 4. Katie Gibbons, Milchem Watermill

EI 110 P 1. Rory Connaughton, Independent Johnny

EI 110 Amateur 1. Nichola Wray, Dylan 2. Britt Megahey, R Showman 3. Denis Coakley, Shannondale George

EI 100 Amateur 1. Lucy Toombs, Bluestone Ice 2. Ros Morgan, VOS Surprise 3. Philip Swann, Tignabruaich 4. Ann Bowe, Festy Breeze 5. Chirag Sherawat, Lates Capri 6. Jemma Kendellen, Quidams Clover

EI 100 P 1. Claire Nestor, Freddie 2. Tilley Tumilty, Millbarr Phynix 3. Alice Curley, Jenny’s Midnight Lad 4. Eve Lindsay, Arctic Light

EI 100 J 1. Caitlin Woods, Greygrove Delight 2. Anna McErlean, Kilmanahan Cool Star 3. Katie Robinson, Ophelia Cruise 4. Hannah Groves, The Kings Ransom 5. Gracie Thompson-Logan, Lisnamuck What A Cracker 6. Eimhear Donaghy, TMS Freedom

EI 100 1. Alex Houston, My Atlantic Encore 2. Steven Smith, Annaghmore Cornoko 3. Holly Wray, Conor 4. Lois Thompson, Coastal Pride 5. Lucca Stubington, Roundthorn Minerva 6. Casey webb, Newferry Number One

EI 100 T 1. Lucca Stubington, Glencarne 2. Jonathan Steele, Bertie 3. Donnacha Anhold, Rushfield Houdini 4. Jonathan Hagan, Bubblegum

EI 90 Amateur 1. Claire Liddle, Ballytrim Molly 2. Katie McKee, Water Paint 3. Beth Hayes, Largymore Lass 4. Louise Duffy, Al Boum Photo 5. Amy Salmon, Clonaslee Captain Hawk Wing 6. Fiona McKenna, Little Lexi Lady

EI 90 1. Katie Gibbons, Bonitas Influence 2. Ian McCluggage, Meadowbank 3. Elaine O’Connor, Tullymurry Masha 4. Ruby Proctor, Happy Bo Lucky 5. Jonathan Steele, Bessie Blue 6. Erin Mathieson, DG Cool Dawn

EI 90 P 1. Kelsea Maginnis, Atlantic Clover Star 2. Blathnaid O’Connell, Finnkilly Blackie 3. Emily Black, Donn Boy 4. Gracie Thompson-Logan, Fiddain Dash 5. Ella Watters, Shadows Golden Boy 6. Katie Gibbons, Killadoon Lady

EI 90 T 1. Neil Morrison, George 2. Kate Corrigan, Frank 3. Kate Horgan, Highview Shakespeare 4. Kerry McTeggart, Cassai RG 5. Stewart Beattie, Diamond Milly 6. Amanda Goldsbury, Cooley Two

EI 80 1. Ian McCluggage, Meadowspring 2. Robyn Rice, My Isabella 3. Alice Black, Curreels Shadow 4. Zach Watson, Toberpatrick Gentle Dove 5. Jonathan West, Monmurry Soverign 6. Anne Davis, AJ Lightening Cavalier

EI 80 T 1. Sofie Halcrow, Clonminch Sally 2. Caroline Chambers, Whitehorn Lane 3. Katie Clarke, Sue 4. George Newton, Simply Radical